Police: Marine killed cockapoo puppy

A 22-year-old Marine stationed in Washington, D.C., was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and animal abuse last week after he allegedly killed his cockapoo puppy in his Gaithersburg apartment, according to police charging documents filed in court.

Lance Cpl. Jordan Darbyshire confessed to Gaithersburg police that he threw and kicked 13-week-old Tippy on May 21 in his apartment in Park Station Apartments in Olde Towne, according to charging documents.

Darbyshire told police that he had a drinking problem and that he "picked up the dog, squeezed her hard, threw her across the room and kicked her," during a "drinking episode," according to charging documents.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Clinic in College Park determined that Tippy died from internal bleeding and noted that the pup's liver and lungs suffered blunt force trauma.

Darbyshire has "a history of death of pets," according to the records, including another dog and ferrets.

Darbyshire's mother-in-law Susan Layton of Germantown told the Green Valley Animal Hospital in Ijamsville that she was concerned after another dog belonging to Darbyshire and her daughter was taken there with a broken leg, according to charging documents. Veterinarians there contacted city animal officials. Darbyshire turned himself in July 8, city police said.

Aggravated animal cruelty is a felony that carries up to three years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Animal abuse is a misdemeanor that carries up to 90 days and a $1,000, according to court records.

Attempts to reach Layton, Darbyshire and his wife, Ashley Layton Darbyshire were unsuccessful. It could not be learned if he has an attorney.

Darbyshire has been in the Marines since December 2007, said Capt. Lisa Lawrence a spokeswoman with the Marine Barracks Washington.

Marines officials learned of Darbyshire's drinking problem at the interview with Gaithersburg police and "immediately enrolled him in treatment upon his release," Lawrence said. He remains on active duty.

Once the civilian criminal proceedings are complete, the Marines will conduct their own investigation, Lawrence said.